No fatalities

Pilot Reports High Flare During Landing Leads to Bounce and Structural Damage (N6555D)

Chamblee, GA, US

On July 11, 2004, a Cessna 172 (registration N6555D) was involved in an aviation accident near Chamblee, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot flared too high, resulting in a high sink rate and the airplane bouncing on the runway three times. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing on runway 20L, the pilot flared too high, causing a high sink rate and three bounces. Post-flight inspection revealed significant structural damage including buckled firewalls, separated engine mount, and bent propeller tips.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that while approaching the destination, he listened to the current weather information, which indicated winds from 330 degrees at 11 knots. During the landing on runway 20L, he stated that he may have "flared too high", resulting in a high sink rate. The airplane then bounced on the runway three times. After the landing, the pilot was able to taxi the airplane to the ramp for assistance.

Damage Assessment

During the post-flight inspection, the pilot noticed damage to the airplane. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right lower and left upper engine firewall were buckled, and the right lower engine mount had separated from the firewall. The pilot and passenger floor panels were buckled, and damage was also observed on the right side of the fuselage, engine cowling, and bottom forward pilot compartment. The propeller was bent on both tips. Additionally, neither flight control yoke was able to travel forward, aft, left, or right.

Probable cause

The pilot flared too high, resulting in a high sink rate and the airplane bouncing on the runway three times.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 2004 Cessna 172 accident near Chamblee, GA?

During a landing on runway 20L, the pilot flared too high, causing a high sink rate and three bounces. Post-flight inspection revealed significant structural damage including buckled firewalls, separated engine mount, and bent propeller tips.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jul 2004 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6555D, at Chamblee, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot flared too high, resulting in a high sink rate and the airplane bouncing on the runway three times.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040818X01247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.